The Immigration Minister of New Zealand, Michael Woodhouse announced a package of changes on 19 April 2017 and hinged it on improving the quality of migrants coming to New Zealand.
Changes to Permanent immigration: Introduction of two remuneration thresholds for applicants applying for residence under the Skilled Migration Category (SMC):
- One remuneration threshold will be set at the New Zealand median income of $48,859 a year for jobs that are currently considered skilled.
- The other threshold will be set at 1.5 times the New Zealand median income of $73,299 a year for jobs that are not currently considered skilled but are well paid.
The SMC points table, under which individuals claim points towards their residence application will also be realigned to put more emphasis on characteristics associated with better outcomes for migrants.
The changes will be implemented in mid-August 2017.
The Government is also proposing changes to the Temporary migration settings for new migrants coming to New Zealand on Essential Skills work visas.
The changes include:
· The introduction of remuneration bands to determine the skill level of an Essential Skills visa holder, which would align with the remuneration thresholds being introduced for Skilled Migrant Category applicants
· The introduction of a maximum duration of three years for lower-skilled and lower-paid Essential Skills visa holders, after which a minimum stand down period will apply before they are eligible for another lower-skilled temporary work visa.
· Aligning the ability of Essential Skills visa holders to bring their children and partners to New Zealand with the new skill levels.
· Exploring which occupations have a seasonal nature and ensuring that the length of the visa aligns with peak labour demand.
Families already in New Zealand will be able to remain here for the duration of the Essential Skills visa holder’s stay in New Zealand. This will minimize any immediate disruption to families and communities.
Public consultation on the changes to temporary migration settings closes on 21 May, with implementation planned for later this year.